The Windows Advanced Boot Options menu provides you with several options that allow you to troubleshoot your system. This menu is usually very useful in case of failures or errors of your device. Your options are focused on Windows startup modes, diagnostic tools, and troubleshooting tools. In this article we will explain what it is used for, how to access it and the different options that the Windows advanced boot options menu has.
What is the advanced boot options menu used for?
The Windows Advanced Boot Options Menu It is mainly used to solve problems that hinder the correct functioning of the operating system. In this menu we can access a list of advanced troubleshooting tools and Windows startup methods that can be used to repair important files. One of the most frequently used options is to start Windows in safe mode.
How to access the advanced boot options menu?
The easiest method to access the advanced boot options menu is to press the F8 key just before the Windows splash screen is displayed at startup. This method applies to all versions of Windows that include this menu.
What does each of the options mean?
The Windows advanced boot options menu is only an interface that gives us the possibility to choose between its options. Once the option has been chosen, the Enter key must be pressed to access the functionality in question. Below is an explanation of each of the options that can be accessed in this menu:
Repair equipment
This option shows us a list of diagnostic and system recovery tools. Among the tools that can be accessed from this option are various diagnostic and repair tools, System Restore, Command Prompt, and other utilities. You will be able to access these utilities if the tools are installed on your device’s hard drive or if you have a Windows installation disc inserted.
Safe Mode
This option, as the name implies, starts Windows in safe mode. Only basic operating system drivers and services are loaded in this mode. This mode has three possible boot options:
- Safe Mode: starts Windows with the minimum of drivers and services.
- Safe mode with networking: Similar to safe mode but includes the drivers and services you need to enable network functions.
- Secure mode with system symbol – Similar to safe mode but loads command prompt as user interface.
It is recommended to test safe mode first to identify errors and problems that affect the operation of your device. If you think you will need to connect to the network during troubleshooting, try safe mode with networking. If safe mode fails and you think you can fix the problem from the command line, try safe mode with the command prompt.
Enable boot record
This option creates a file in which the system records all the drivers started during system boot. This file called ntbtlog.txt it can be consulted later to find out which drivers were loaded correctly. It is a registry that can be very useful in identifying problems related to your device’s drivers. The log file is stored in the root folder of the Windows installation, usually C: Windows.
Enable low resolution video (640×480)
This option starts the Windows operating system with the video driver installed. The screen resolution setting reduces it to 640 × 480 pixels and decreases the refresh rate.. With this mode you can reset the display settings in case the detected problem is related to this.
This tool is generally used when the screen resolution has been set higher than the one supported by the connected monitor. With this option you can access the operating system interface with a lower resolution, which will allow you to set the appropriate video settings.
Last Known Good Configuration (Advanced)
Selecting this option from the menu starts Windows with the drivers and registry settings that were loaded the last time Windows worked properly. This is one of the first tools that should be tried when you encounter a problem that does not allow the correct operation of the system.
Directory Services Restore Mode
This option repairs the directory service. It only applies to systems that have Active Directory domain controllers, so this option should not appear in Home or Pro versions. This tool is intended for IT professionals and system administrators.
Debugging mode
The debug mode option enters debug mode in Windows. This is an advanced troubleshooting mode in which data about Windows can be sent to the connected “debugger”. This option is intended for IT professionals and system administrators.
Disable automatic restart on system failure
This option prevents Windows from restarting after a serious system error. It should only be used in case Windows cannot recover from an error and reboots repeatedly.
Disable mandatory use and signed drivers
This option allows drivers that are not digitally signed or contain incorrect signatures to be installed in Windows.
Start Windows normally
The Start Windows option does notnormally start Windows in its normal mode.